Ergonomic data system stand

ABSTRACT

A particular orientation of a control panel and an accessory device provides ergonomic benefits to an operator. A user control is mounted on a corner of the stand. The user interface of an accessory device is mounted at about a 45° angle to the control panel on one side of the stand. User tools, such as a transducer connector, are also mounted at about a 45° angle to the control panel, such as mounted on a different side of the stand adjacent to the control panel. Convenient access is provided to all of the control panel, the user interface of the accessory device, and the user tools. Additional leg room is also provided due to the angle of the stand relative to the user position in front of the control panel. The ultrasound system or other data system with this orientation of components allows ergonomic use of the system in a more confined space.

BACKGROUND

[0001] This present invention relates to stands for data systems. Inparticular, ergonomic stands for data systems, such as ultrasoundsystems, are provided.

[0002] Ultrasound systems include a cube-shaped housing for storingelectrical components of the ultrasound system. A control panel orkeyboard extends from one of the four sides of the housing. A display isprovided on top of the housing.

[0003] In addition to the control panel, a user interacts withtransducers and user interfaces on accessory devices, such as VCRs orprinters. The user needs easy access to the control panel, theaccessory's user interface, and the transducer connections, but allthree cannot fit in the same location. The control panel is typicallypositioned to provide the easiest access to the user. The transducerstypically are located at a next-easiest-to-access location, such asbelow the control panel or on a side of the stand adjacent to thecontrol panel. The user interfaces of accessory devices are positionedin a least desirable position comparatively, such as on a side of thestand opposite to the transducers or below the control panel or even ontop of the display monitor.

[0004] Ultrasound systems are typically used in a constrainedenvironment, such as a small room with a bed and other medicalequipment. Such confined environments may make it difficult for a userto reach around to the side of the ultrasound stand or below a controlpanel. The user's knees or feet may be blocked or contacted by theultrasound system stand, hurting the user or accidentally activatingcontrols.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] The present invention is defined by the following claims, andnothing in this section should be taken as a limitation on those claims.By way of introduction, the preferred embodiments described belowinclude a method and stands for operating a data system. The controlpanel of the data system is oriented at more than 10° and less than 80°to the user interface of an accessory device.

[0006] In an ultrasound data system embodiment, the user control ismounted on a corner of the stand. The user interface of an accessorydevice is mounted at about a 45° angle to the control panel on one sideof the stand. User tools, such as a transducer connector, are alsomounted at about a 45° angle to the control panel, such as mounted on adifferent side of the stand adjacent to the control panel. Convenientaccess is provided to all of the control panel, the user interface ofthe accessory device, and the user tools. Additional leg room is alsoprovided due to the angle of the stand relative to the user position infront of the control panel. The ultrasound system or other data systemwith this orientation of components allows ergonomic use of the systemin a more confined space.

[0007] In a first aspect, a movable stand for operating a data system isprovided. A control panel connects with the stand. An accessory devicewith a user interface also connects with the stand. The control panel isoriented at more than 10° and less than 80° to the user interface of theaccessory device. The orientation is relative to an operator position.

[0008] In a second aspect, a stand for operating a data system isprovided. A control panel and an output device having an output portconnects with the stand. The control panel is oriented at more than 10°and less than 80° to the output port, the orientation relative to anoperator position.

[0009] In a third aspect, an ultrasound system stand for use with anultrasound system is provided. An ultrasound system connects with thestand. A control panel and an accessory device having a user interfacealso connect with the stand and operatively connect with the ultrasoundsystem. The control panel is oriented at more than 10° and less than 80°to the user interface of the accessory device, the orientation relativeto an operator position.

[0010] In a fourth aspect, a method for ergonomically connectingultrasound system components is provided. The method includes the actsof: (a) connecting a user interface of an accessory device with anultrasound system stand; (b) connecting a control panel to theultrasound system stand; (c) orienting the control panel at more than10° and less than 80° to the user interface of the accessory devicerelative to an operator position; (d) connecting a transducer connectorwith the ultrasound system stand; and (e) orienting the control panel atmore than 10° and less than 80° to the transducer connector relative tothe operator position; the transducer connector spaced 90° to 270°around the diameter of the ultrasound system stand from the userinterface of the accessory device.

[0011] Further aspects and advantages of the invention are discussedbelow in conjunction with the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The components and the figures are not necessarily to scale,emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of theinvention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designatecorresponding parts throughout the different views.

[0013]FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are top, right perspective and leftperspective views of one embodiment of part of a data system stand.

[0014]FIG. 2 is a top view of an embodiment of a data system stand and auser position.

[0015]FIGS. 3A and 3B are right and left perspective views of theembodiment of the data system stand of FIG. 1A-C.

[0016]FIGS. 4A and 4B are right perspective views of two respectiveembodiments of ultrasound system stands.

[0017]FIGS. 5A and 5C are left and right perspective views respectivelyof yet another embodiment of an ultrasound system stand incorporatingthe ultrasound system shown in FIG. 5B.

[0018]FIGS. 6 and 7 are two additional alternative embodiments ofultrasound system stands.

[0019]FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of two other alternativeembodiments of ultrasound system stands.

[0020] FIGS. 9A-D are perspective and top views of another alternativeembodiment of an ultrasound system stand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Simultaneous visual and physical access is provided to a controlpanel, a user interface or output port of an accessory or output device,and any user tools associated with a data system. The orientation of thecontrol panel at an acute angle to adjacent sides of a data system standprovides the simultaneous visual and physical access. For example, byangling the orientations of the accessory device and any user tools atabout 45° relative to the user, the user can access the variouscomponents without moving away from the data system. The control panelis connected at a corner of the stand for efficient access whilereducing interference with the user's knees and feet.

[0022] FIGS. 1A-C show top, right perspective and left perspective viewsof components connected with or forming part of a data system stand 10.The stand 10 includes a control panel 12, a data system 14, an accessorydevice 16, an optional user tool mount 17, a display 18, one or morewheels or casters 20, and a transformer 22. Fewer, different oradditional components may be included. In one embodiment, the datasystem stand 10 comprises an ultrasound system stand. Other data systemsmay be provided, such as a computer workstation, medical imagingworkstation, materials testing station, ticketing station or otherprocessing systems.

[0023] The components of the data system stand 10 listed above areconnected through a framework or housing structure. The framework orhousing structure comprises plastic, wood, metal, fiberglass andcombinations thereof. The framework and/or housing material is ofsufficient strength to support and prevent damage to any of the variouscomponents of the data system stand 10. This structure rigidly andstably connects the wheels or casters 20 to one another. Preferably, thetransformer 22 is included within this structure between the wheels orcasters 20 and sufficiently high to provide clearance when rolling. Thisstructure rigidly and stably extends upward preferably along one sideabove a pair of adjacent wheels. The control panel 12, data system 14,accessory device 16, optional user tool mount 17, and display 18 aremounted to the upward extension of the rigid structure. The housingand/or framework is of any shape for holding the components.

[0024] The control panel 12 comprises a housing with a keyboard, a trackball, a touch pad, membrane or push button keys, slides, other userinput devices now known or later developed, and combinations thereof. Inone embodiment, a qwerty keyboard, dedicated keys, a plurality ofslides, and a track ball are provided for controlling an ultrasoundsystem. The control panel 12 houses the user input devices in a cube orrectangular housing. In alternative embodiments, housings with othergeometrical shapes, such as circular, rounded, semi-circular,multi-sided and combinations thereof, are provided.

[0025] The various user input devices of the control panel 12 areoriented for use by an operator in an operator position. For example,rows of keys of a qwerty keyboard are oriented towards a front edge ofthe control panel 12 associated with an operator position adjacent or infront of that edge facing towards the data system 10 as shown in FIG. 2.The various user input devices may be positioned in a semi-circularorientation focused at the operator position for ergonomic use of thecontrol panel by the operator.

[0026] The accessory or output device 16 comprises a video cassetterecorder (VCR), color printer, black and white printer, tape recorder,compact disc reader or burner, facsimile machine, scanner, digitalarchiving devices, analog archiving devices, removable media devices,DVD, magneto optical drives or other optional equipment machine. Asshown, the accessory device 16 comprises a rectilinear volume havingfour sides, a top and a bottom. Rounded, spherical or other shapes witha different number of sides may be used. A user interface or output portis provided on one side of the accessory device 16. For example, theuser interface (e.g. buttons) for a printer or VCR are positioned on oneor side face of the accessory device 16. As yet another example, outputports, such as a paper output of a printer or a tape door of a VCR, areprovided on the side face of the accessory device 16.

[0027] The position of the accessory device 16 within the framework orhousing of the data system stand 10 allows visual and physical access tothe user interface or output port. For example, the user interface ispositioned at an acute angle to the operator. The accessory device 16 ispositioned to fit within an outer housing or the framework of the datasystem stand 10. In alternative embodiments, a portion, such as the sidewith the user interface or output port, extends from the framework orouter housing of the data system stand 10.

[0028] The data system 14 comprises one or more processors,application-specific integrated circuits or other components, such as acomputer, workstation or ultrasound system. In one embodiment shown inFIGS. 1A-C, the data system 14 comprises a cube shaped housing orientedsimilar to a tower personal computer. Other arrangements of the datasystem 14 including one or more cards of electronics connected by wiresor a back plane with or without a housing of any shape may be used. Inone embodiment, output or input devices for use by an operator areprovided on a front end of the data system 14 adjacent to an operatorposition, such as a floppy disk drive. Cabling connections are providedon a back end spaced away from an operator position.

[0029] The optional user tool mount 17 comprises one or more anelectronic and/or physical connectors. In one embodiment, the user toolmount 17 includes a handle, hook, clip or other device for holding auser tool, such as a transducer probe, writing device, hand-held device,or other user tool. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality ofreleasable electrical and physical connectors for ultrasound transducersare provided. A plurality of hangers for holding the ultrasound probeadjacent to the respective transducer connector are also provided. Theuser tool mount 17 is positioned on the framework or housing of the datasystem stand 10 for visual and physical access by the user from anoperator position.

[0030] The display 18 comprises a monitor, flat panel display, LCD orother display device. The display 18 is positioned above the controlpanel 12. The display 18 is positioned on a top of the stand 10, butother positions on a side or a corner of the stand 10 may be used. Thefront or view screen of the display 18 is oriented towards the operatorposition or towards the control panel 12. In one embodiment, the display18 is rotatably mounted to the stand 10. Articulating or fixed mountsmay also be used. In one embodiment, speakers are positioned adjacent toor connected with the display 18.

[0031] The casters 20 comprise three or more wheels or sets of wheelsswivel connected to the bottom of the stand 10. In one embodiment, thestand 10 is movable by rolling on the casters 20. In alternativeembodiments, the stand 10 is permanently fixed, uses tracks, wheels orother devices for moving. The casters 20 may be lockable so that thestand 10 may be used without movement.

[0032] The transformer 22 transforms electrical power input from a wallconnection for use by the components of the stand 10. The transformer 22electrically connects with the data system 14.

[0033] The components of the stand 10 are oriented for ergonomic use bythe operator. Visual and physical access is provided to the controlpanel 12, user interface or output port 36 of the accessory device 16and any user tool mounts 17. FIG. 2 shows the control panel 12 connectedat about a 45° angle to the user interface 36 of the accessory device 16and user tool mounts 17. As used herein, about includes within 3 degreesor other variation accounting for manufacturing tolerances. A centerlineof the control panel 12 perpendicular to rows of keys 32 (i.e. extendingfrom an operator 34 to the stand 10 or display 18) is at about a 45°angle to the user interface 36 of the accessory device 16 and the usertool mounts 17. Likewise, a tangent line to the front edge or acenterline of the control panel parallel to the rows of keys (i.e.extending parallel to the front of the operating facing the stand 10) isat about a 45° angle to the user interface 36 of the accessory device 16and the user tool mounts 17.

[0034] In alternative embodiments, the angular relationship between thecontrol panel 12 and the user interface 36 of the accessory device 16 oruser tool mounts 17 relative to the operator position is 40°-50°. In yetother embodiments, a 30°-60° angular relationship is provided. In yetstill further embodiments, a 10°-80° angular relationship is provided.

[0035] Various angles discussed herein are relative to an operatorposition. The operator 34 in FIG. 2 is shown in the operator position infront of the control panel 12 for viewing the display 18 in controllingthe data system 14. From the operator position, the user 34 has accessto the user interface 36 of the accessory device 16 and the tool mounts17. A plane defined by the user interface 36 of the accessory device 16intersects a centerline either perpendicular or parallel to centerlinesin either the X or Y lateral dimensions of the control panel 12 wherethe operator position to the center of the stand is the X dimension atabout 45°. Likewise, a plane associated with the connection of the usertool mounts 17 to the stand 10 intersects the X or Y centerline of thecontrol panel 12 at about 45°.

[0036] Where the stand 10 has a generally rectangular configuration froma top view, the control panel 12 of one embodiment is connected at acorner 38 of the stand 10. A corner 38 is associated with the joining oftwo sides 40 and 42. The user interface 36 of the accessory device 16 isprovided on one of the sides 42. Any user tool mounts 17 are provided onthe other side 40. In alternative embodiments, the user tool mounts 17are provided on the same side 42 as the user interface 36. In yet otheralternative embodiments, the user interface 36 is on the other side 40,and the user tool mounts 17 is on the first side 42. In otherembodiments, one or more user interfaces 36 are provided on a same side42 or on different sides 40 and 42 as one or more other user interfaces.

[0037] From the operator's perspective while facing the stand 10 at theoperator position, the operator has access to the user interface 36 onthe left, the control panel 12 is provided at a center location, and theuser tool mount 17 are provided on a right side or opposite side fromthe user interface 36 of the forward facing portion of the stand 10. Theuser interface 36 and user tool mount 17 are positioned slightly or muchbelow the control panel 12. The display 18 is positioned on top of thestand 10 or above the control panel 12. In alternative embodiments,either one of the user interface 36 and user tool mount 17 arepositioned on a same level or above the control panel 12.

[0038] Given the orientation of the various components as describedabove, objects surrounding the stand 10, such as a patient bed or awall, do not obstruct access to a user interface 36 or user tool mount17. The acute angle relationship of these components to the controlpanel 12 and the user position minimize the space used by the stand 12while maximizing access for the operator. The operator's knees are alsoless likely to contact the user interface 36 or user tool mount 17 giventhe angle relationships. By positioning the user tool mount 17 justbelow, at or above the level of the control panel 12, tools associatedwith items hanging down such as cabling, avoid contact with the floorand prevent entanglement with the user's feet.

[0039]FIGS. 3A and 3B show right and left perspective views of anultrasound data system stand 40 of an alternative embodiment. Theultrasound data system stand 40 includes various of the componentsoriented as discussed above in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 2. In thisembodiment, the user tool mount 17 comprises transducer connectors andtransducer hangers 42. As shown, three connectors and associated hangers42 are provided, but fewer or more connectors and hangers 42 may beused. The transducer connectors 42 connect with the data system 14. Thedata system 14 comprises electronics for a medical diagnostic ultrasoundsystem.

[0040] Shelves 44, such as brackets, arms, latches or other load bearingconnections, support one or more accessory devices 16. The shelves 44connect with the framework or outer housing of the data system 14. Theaccessory devices 16 are held onto the shelves 44 by a variety ofmechanical means or may be placed on the shelves 44 without furtherconnections. Some accessory devices 16 are built into the system stand10, such as floppy drives, DVD drives, magneto optical devices or otheraccessory devices. The user interfaces or output ports 36 of theaccessory devices 16 are shown on a left front side of the stand 10relative to the user position adjacent to the control panel 12. On theopposite side of the stand, a plurality of cables 50 associated with theaccessory devices 16 connect with the data system 14. In alternativeembodiments, the cables 50 connect with the data system on the rightside of the stand 40. A cable shield 48 connects over the cables 50 anda portion of the data system 14 to protect the cables 50. In oneembodiment, the shield 48 releasably connects with the accessory devices16 and/or the data system 14. As shown, the shield 48 is disconnectedfrom the stand 40. The cable shield 48 comprises metal, plastic or othermaterial.

[0041] A storage bin 46 is provided. The storage bin 46 comprises adrawer, an opened box, or other storage device. As shown, the storagebin 46 is positioned at a bottom of the stand 40 adjacent to the casters20. In alternative embodiments, the storage 46 is positioned adjacentto, below or above the accessory devices 16. In yet other alternativeembodiments, the electronics of the data system 14 are provided in thearea shown comprising the storage bin 46.

[0042] Speakers 52 integrate onto the control panel 12. A speaker 52 isformed on each side of the control panel 12. In alternative embodiments,the speakers 52 are releasably attached to the control panel 12. In yetother alternative embodiments, the speakers 52 are positioned elsewhereon the stand 40.

[0043]FIGS. 4A and 4B show an alternative embodiment of an ultrasounddata system stand 60. The electronics of the ultrasound data system 14are enclosed within the tower 62. Alternatively, part or all of theelectronics of the data system 14 are included in a box or otherstructure connected to the tower 62 on a shelf or other connector. Theaccessory device 16 connects to the tower 62 on a shelf or with anotherlatching structure. The accessory device 16 is oriented so that thecontrol panel 12 is at an acute angle to the use interface 36 of theaccessory device 16 relative to the position of an operator.

[0044] The transducer connector and associated hanger 42 connect onanother side of the tower 62 than the user interface 36. In oneembodiment, the transducer hanger integrates with the transducerconnector. One or more hook or slotted shells are provided over theconnector for hanging the transducer probe adjacent to the transducerconnector.

[0045] The display 18 comprises a flat panel or LCD display connected tothe front of the tower 62. In alternative embodiments, the display 18connects to the top of the tower 62. As shown in FIG. 4B, five or morecasters 20 are provided for additional stability. As shown in FIG. 4A,footrest plate 64 is provided.

[0046] FIGS. 5A-C show another embodiment of an ultrasound system stand70. An outer casing or housing 72 encloses the accessory devices 16within the stand 70. The housing 72 is generally square from a top view,but may be circular or have other shapes. The user interfaces 36 of theaccessory devices 16 are at an acute angle to the control panel 12relative to an operator position. On a side of the casing 72 oppositethe user interfaces 36, a cable shield or access plate 48 is provided.One or more handles 74 connect with the control panel 12 for guiding thestand 70 when moving the stand 70. A pocket or space, such as betweenthe system base and system electronics, may be provided for slacktransducer cable.

[0047]FIG. 5B shows a portion of the interior of the stand 70. Anultrasound data system 14 includes a back plane 76 and a plurality ofcards and associated card slots 78. The accessory devices 16 connectwith the back plane 76. Alternative arrangements with differentpositions of ultrasound electronics and associated cards and accessorydevices 16 may be used, such as positioning the accessory devices 16below or between card slots 78.

[0048]FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of an ultrasound data system stand80. The user interfaces or output port 36 of the accessory devices 16are exposed in the housing 72 below the control panel 12 near the bottomof the stand 80. The housing 72 also includes a housing extension 82.The housing extension 82 comprises plastic, metal or other material forproviding additional space within the housing 72. For example,additional electronics associated with the data system 14 are housedwithin the panel extension 82. The panel extension 82 mounts to thehousing 72. In alternative embodiments, the panel extension 82 comprisesa door for allowing access within the housing 72.

[0049] A plastic or metal handle 84 is provided on a back corner of thestand 80 opposite the control panel 12. The handle 84 is used for movingthe stand 80.

[0050] In one embodiment, one of the accessory devices 16 comprises acolor printer. An additional black and white printer 86 is formed withor connects to the control panel 12. For example, the printer 86 isformed on the bottom of the control panel 12 with a paper output port 88on a left or right side of the printer 86. In alternative embodiments,the printer 86 comprises a color printer, and a black and white, coloror a different printer is provided as an accessory device 16.

[0051]FIG. 7 shows yet another alternative embodiment of an ultrasounddata system stand 90. A housing 94 covers part or all of the ultrasounddata system. The housing 94 connects with a pillar 96. The pillar 96 andthe housing 94 comprise plastic, metal, other material or combinationsthereof. Trays or shelves 98 are provided for the accessory devices 16.One accessory device 16 is positioned outside of the housing 94. Thepillar 96 includes a height adjustment section 92. The height adjustmentsection 92 comprises a pneumatic, spring loaded or other heightadjustment device and associated activation lever for changing a heightof the stand 90. The height of both the control panel 12 and the display18 is adjusted at a same time. In alternative embodiments, a heightadjustment is provided on just the control panel 12 or separately foreach of the control panel 12 and the display 18.

[0052]FIGS. 8A and 8B show two additional embodiments of ultrasound datasystem stands 100 and 102. The stand 100 of FIG. 8A includes a housing72 for the data system 14 with a pillar 96. The control panel 12 and theflat panel display 18 are releasably or adjustably connected to thepillar 96 for height adjustment. An activation lever, button, or otherrelease device activates a pneumatic lift, spring lift, or electricmotor. Alternatively, a hand powered screw jack is used. The housing 72is adapted to hold or connect to an accessory device 16. The accessorydevice 16 rests on top of the stand 100 and housing 72. For the stand102 of FIG. 8B, the housing 94 connects with the pillar 96 on an upperor a lower portion of the pillar above or below a height adjustmentmechanism 92. The height adjustment mechanism 92 adjust the height ofthe control panel 12 and the flat panel display 18. The housing 94 isadapted to connect with or hold an accessory device 16 on the top of thehousing 94.

[0053] FIGS. 9A-D shows yet another embodiment of an ultrasound datasystem stand 120. FIG. 9C shows a top view of the stand 120, and FIG. 9Dshows a top view without the display 18. One or more accessory devices16 are mounted or rest on top of a shelf 44 on the top of the housing94. The user interface 36 of the accessory device 16 is positioned at anacute angle to the user position as shown. Other accessory devices 16are positioned within the housing 94 with the user interfaces 36 exposedon the same side as the user interface 36 of the accessory device 16mounted on top of the housing 94. For example, a digital archive device122 and physio connections (i.e., connectors for various electricaldevices) 124 of one or more interface cards are provided.

[0054] The control panel 12 connects with the pillar 96. A heightadjustment 92 allows use of the control panel 12 in a seated or standingposition. A QWERTY keyboard 126 adjusts between a stowed position underthe remainder of the control panel 12 and a use position extending fromthe remainder of the control panel 12. Transducer hangers 42 connect toone or both sides of the control panel 12. The handle 84 also connectswith the control panel 12. Speakers 52 connect with the display 18 abovethe control panel 12.

[0055] A brake pedal 128 for locking or releasing the casters 20 isprovided. The brake pedal 128 is positioned below the control panel 12adjacent the pillar 96 for easy access by the operator.

[0056] Three user tool mounts 17, such as transducer connectors, arepositioned on a side adjacent the pillar 96 and control panel 12 foreasy access by the operator. The operator conveniently has access to theuser interfaces 36, control panel 12 and user tool mounts 17. The userinterfaces 36 and user tool mounts 17 are on adjoining but differentsides of the stand 120 and are at acute angles to the user control panelaxis extending from the operator position to the stand 120.

[0057] The embodiments discussed above for FIGS. 3-9 relate toultrasound data systems. In alternative embodiments, other data systemsas discussed above may be used. Accordingly, various components may besubstituted for other components or not used, such as transducerconnectors and hangers 42.

[0058] While the invention has been described above by reference tovarious embodiments, it should be understood that many changes andmodifications can be made without departing from the scope of theinvention. For example, various angles of the control panel 12 relativeto the user interface of an accessory device or a user tool mount may beused. The housing of the various components of the stand may be flat,rounded, a framework, and of any material now known or later developed.

[0059] It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed descriptionbe understood as an illustration of the presently preferred embodimentof the invention, and not as a definition of the invention. It is onlythe following claims, including all equivalents, that are intended todefine the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A moveable stand for operating a data system, themoveable stand comprising: a control panel on the stand; and anaccessory device having a user interface, the accessory device on thestand; and a transducer connector on a vertical portion of the stand,the user interface of the accessory device and transducer connectors ondifferent sides of the control panel relative to the operator position;wherein the control panel is oriented at more than 10 degrees and lessthan 80 degrees to the user interface of the accessory device and to thetransducer connector, the orientation relative to an operator position.2. The moveable stand of claim 1 wherein the control panel is orientedat more than 30 degrees and less than 60 degrees to the user interfaceof the accessory device and to the transducer connector.
 3. The moveablestand of claim 1 wherein the control panel is oriented at more than 40degrees and less than 50 degrees to the user interface of the accessorydevice and to the transducer connector.
 4. The moveable stand of claim 1wherein the control panel is oriented at about 45 degrees to the userinterface of the accessory device and to the transducer connector. 5.The moveable stand of claim 1 wherein the control panel is oriented atmore than 10 degrees and less than 80 degrees to any side of theaccessory device, the accessory device comprising a generallyrectilinear volume having four sides, a top and a bottom.
 6. Themoveable stand of claim 1 wherein the control panel comprises at least akeyboard, the operation position is facing the keyboard substantiallyperpendicular to rows of keys of the keyboard.
 7. The moveable stand ofclaim 1 further comprising a display device positioned above the controlpanel wherein the accessory device is positioned below the controlpanel.
 8. The moveable stand of claim 1 wherein at least a portion ofthe transducer connector is at a same height as at least a portion ofthe control panel.
 9. The moveable stand of claim 1 further comprising adisplay above the control panel, wherein a top of the transducerconnector is below a top of the display and above a lowest portion ofthe control panel.
 10. The moveable stand of claim 1 wherein theaccessory device comprises at least one of a printer and a videocassette recorder.
 11. The moveable stand of claim 1 further comprisingat least one caster connected with a bottom of the stand.
 12. Themoveable stand of claim 1 further comprising an ultrasound system withinthe moveable stand.
 13. An ultrasound system stand for use with anultrasound system, the stand comprising: an ultrasound system connectedwith the stand; a control panel connected with the stand and operativelyconnected with the ultrasound system; a display above the control panel;and a transducer connector connected with the stand, a top of thetransducer connector being below a top of the display and above a lowestportion of the control panel; wherein the control panel is oriented atmore than 10 degrees and less than 80 degrees to the transducerconnector, the orientation relative to an operator position;
 14. Theultrasound system stand of claim 13 wherein at least a portion of thetransducer connector is at a same height as at least a portion of thecontrol panel.
 15. The ultrasound system stand of claim 13 furthercomprising: an accessory device having an user interface, the accessorydevice within the stand and operatively connected with the ultrasoundsystem, the accessory device oriented at more than 10 degrees and lessthan 80 degrees to the control panel on an opposite side of the controlpanel than the transducer connector, the orientation relative to anoperator position.
 16. The ultrasound system stand of claim 13 whereinthe control panel is oriented at more than 30 degrees and less than 60degrees to the transducer connector.
 17. The ultrasound system stand ofclaim 13 wherein the control panel is oriented at more than 40 degreesand less than 50 degrees to the transducer connector.
 18. The ultrasoundsystem stand of claim 13 wherein the control panel is oriented at about45 degrees to the transducer connector.
 19. The ultrasound system standof claim 13 wherein the control panel comprises at least a keyboard, theoperation position is facing the keyboard substantially perpendicular torows of keys of the keyboard.
 20. The ultrasound system stand of claim13 further comprising a transducer hanger connected with the stand on asame side of the stand as the transducer connector.
 21. The ultrasoundsystem stand of claim 13 further comprising at least one casterconnected with a bottom of the stand.
 22. A method for ergonomicallyconnecting ultrasound system components, the method comprising the actsof: (a) mounting an accessory device with an ultrasound system stand,the accessory device having a user interface; (b) mounting a controlpanel to the ultrasound system stand; (c) orienting the control panel atmore than 10 degrees and less than 80 degrees to the user interface ofthe accessory device relative to an operator position based on themounting of (a) and (b); (d) connecting a transducer connector on avertical surface of the ultrasound system stand; and (e) orienting thecontrol panel at more than 10 degrees and less than 80 degrees to thetransducer connector relative to the operator position, the transducerconnector spaced 90 to 270 degrees around the diameter of the ultrasoundsystem stand from the user interface of the accessory device. 23.(currently amended) A method for ergonomically connecting ultrasoundsystem components, the method comprising the acts of: (a) mounting acontrol panel to an ultrasound system stand; (b) positioning a displayabove the control panel on the ultrasound system stand; (c) connecting atransducer connector with the ultrasound system stand such that a top ofthe transducer connector is below a top of the display and above alowest portion of the control panel; and (d) orienting the control panelat more than 10 degrees and less than 80 degrees to the transducerconnector relative to the operator position.
 24. The method of claim 23further comprising: (e) mounting an accessory device with the ultrasoundsystem stand, the accessory device having a user interface; (f)orienting the control panel at more than 10 degrees and less than 80degrees to the user interface of the accessory device relative to anoperator position, the transducer connector spaced 90 to 270 degreesaround the diameter of the ultrasound system stand from the userinterface of the accessory device.